"I'm fine." "Dear, thank you. You saved me back there. If it weren't for you, I might have been seriously hurt," the elderly woman said, stepping closer. She reached out tentatively as if to take Chloe's hand, then hesitated, seeming to think better of it. Instead, she carefully pulled a beautifully colored orange from her pocket—one she had evidently just purchased and selected with care. "Here, have this orange, dear! I picked it myself. I hope you don't mind," the woman said, offering it with her slightly trembling hand. Worried Chloe might refuse, she instinctively polished it on the sleeve of her well-worn coat. Seeing this, Chloe offered a gentle smile and accepted the fruit. "Thank you. It looks perfect," she said simply. Then, with a final nod, she turned and walked toward her own shopping cart, which had just reached the lower platform. "Ma'am, are you sure you're alright?" "Ma'am, would you like us to arrange a ride home for you?" As Chloe wheeled her cart away, she could faintly hear the store staff continuing to fuss over the elderly woman. Chloe proceeded to the underground parking garage. She transferred her bags from the cart to the trunk of her car. Looking at the loaded compartment, she could already picture the excited reactions Zachary and Robert would have when they saw the treats. She closed the trunk, took her keys, and was about to get into the driver's seat. Just as she reached her car door, the sharp screech of tires echoed through the concrete space. A black SUV pulled up abruptly, cutting her off and blocking her path. Seeing how the vehicle was positioned, Chloe's expression cooled. How theatrical. The next moment, the SUV's doors swung open. Several men in dark suits stepped out and surrounded her. "Ms. Lewis, our employer would like a word. Please come with us," one of them stated. Chloe looked them over and smiled faintly. "And if I decline?" "Then we must insist. You will be coming with us today," the man replied, his tone stern, as if volume alone could compensate for authority."Who is your employer?" "You'll see shortly," the man said, his face impassive. He stepped aside and gestured toward the open car door. Chloe glanced at the vacant seat inside, then walked forward calmly and got in. The door shut behind her. The engine started, and soon the vehicle was moving, taking her away from the commercial district. She couldn't make out the passing scenery; the windows were tinted to opacity. But she was certain they were leaving the city center. After about twenty minutes, the car finally stopped at what appeared to be a private club. "Ms. Lewis, this way," the lead man said. Chloe stepped out. She took in the unfamiliar, manicured grounds without a trace of nerves and followed the man inside. They walked down a long, hushed corridor before arriving at a private sitting room. Several other men stood guard outside. As Chloe approached, they silently stepped aside. Inside the room, only one man was present. He was seated, head slightly bowed, his features difficult to discern clearly. He appeared to be middle-aged. "Sir, Ms. Lewis is here," the escort said with a slight bow before retreating. Chloe's gaze settled on the seated man. He looked up, meeting her eyes, and offered a polite smile. "Ms. Lewis, please have a seat." Chloe remained standing for a moment. After a good look at his face, she raised a brow slightly. "We don't appear to be acquainted." Hearing this, the man's smile widened a fraction. "Allow me to introduce myself properly. My surname is Rosewood." Chloe said nothing. Rosewood. Hearing the name, her expression didn't flicker. Faced with the man's deliberate show of presence, Chloe glanced at the chair opposite him and sat down without ceremony. The man observed her movements. She showed not a hint of panic, despite being forcibly brought to an unknown location surrounded by his security. Moreover, after he revealed his surname, she displayed no particular surprise. Should he attribute it to naivety—a simple lack of fear—or to something more formidable, a sheer disregard for the situation he'd orchestrated? "I imagine you can surmise why I asked to see you," Hogan began, deliberately lowering his voice to a serious, measured tone. "Ms. Lewis, it's a... distinctive pleasure to make your acquaintance." Chloe looked at the man across from her and offered a mild, almost disinterested smile. "My time is valuable. I'd prefer you get straight to the point. There's no need for preliminaries." Hearing her words, Hogan let out a short, genuine laugh. "Interesting. You're the first person in quite some time to speak to me in that tone."